A CHANCE WITH GOD’S WAITING ROOM @TRIBECA 2021

Sometimes, we only get that one chance to make all the difference in their world. Many of us come to know that at points in our lives, existential questions will come to our heads. Especially when we are younger where we begin to question where we want to go in life. Furthermore, what steps are you going to take to get there? It does boil down to the what and when you are going to make those choices. In hopes that it breeds the answers to those difficult questions when stuck at a place where you need to move on.

Central Florida

Director Tyler Riggs’ debut film God’s Waiting Room is a film that focuses on those periods of questioning one’s self. Premiering at Tribeca Film Festival, the story is set against the backdrop of Central Florida where things are at a slower pace, unlike the big city. But the heat plays a role in everyone’s lives in which director Tyler Riggs portrays in a cinematically enthralling fashion. The slow-burning drama shows the effects of what it is like to have dreams in places like Florida. Where ironically many from around the world dream to be in.

Three’s A Crowd

The film centres upon the dreams of Rosie, played by Nisalda Gonzalez, She is fresh out of high school and wants to be a superstar musician. Rosie’s dreams of making it one day are on hold and put to the test.

Her father Nino, played by Ray Benitez, is raising her on his own. Nino is working really hard to make sure she gets the life that she always had dreamed of. He tries to convince her that she needs a backup plan if all else fails while supporting her ultimate goal. For a young woman like Rosie, a time like this is difficult to comprehend and act through. Many of us have been there and know what it’s like to feel stuck.

The film’s brightest star Matthew Leone plays Jules who hinders Rosie’s plans a lot further. Having been told by her friends to stay away from him, Jules charms his way into Rosie’s life. He is a drug dealer from New York who moves to Florida in trying to find a new life. Although, Jules goes continues to be the scumbag that he truly is. He believes he is doing no wrong. But there is a whole lot of no good coming out of him as well. Jules is in the ripe of questioning himself. Matthew Leone plays this role and his emotions to the tee. The performance makes you despise his character even though he is the hub of the film.

This is a story where the audience can relate to all of the characters. Each going through something and struggling when unable to find the answers they are looking for. Especially when it comes to our dreams and trying to achieve them. Or when you are “living the dream” as many of us say but something is not good enough or rather something is coming to destroy them.

Director Tyler Riggs

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The film is also a reflection of the cast and crew involved. Many of them like director Tyler Riggs are chasing a dream that is difficult to find. He mentions in an interview with FERNTV that he wanted to act at first. His boyish childhood fantasies of wanting to act just like those in the movies did not meet his expectations.

After offers of recurring roles of people he did not want to play, Tyler Riggs got behind the camera as a director. This transition is similar to that of Rose’s story where much is at play in making a big decision. Especially, raised by a single parent in which director Tyler Riggs knows about as well. The film is not an adaptation of his life. It’s a portrait of growing up with a different set of circumstances. Looking and working toward those chances like the characters in this film will have a lasting impact once taken.

Taking a Chance

Ironically, God’s Waiting Room was built on a whim. On their way to the LA Zoo with their children, Tyler along with his wife Suki headed to Florida instead to make a film. The film was made in a matter of three months which is a testament to the crew’s passion. There were limited resources in making the film but unlimited determination when it came to the process. Everyone’s creativity was in full form because they were all on the same page at this point in their lives.

Making this film and the storyline draws parallels to the turning point when taking a chance. The story has a strong message about the weight of life’s major decisions. The focus on that journey of everyone’s self-inflicted purgatory is what makes this movie dynamic. Furthermore, that it is not an easy road to achieve that chance to make a difference. A film of this magnitude allows for that chance for everyone involved with its creation to shine at Tribeca Film Festival. Chances are it is time for director Tyler Riggs to do just that.